Parochial

Parochial describes a narrow-minded, limited, and provincial outlook. It suggests a focus on local concerns and a lack of awareness or understanding of broader perspectives, global issues, or different cultures.

A Parochial viewpoint is often characterized by a resistance to new ideas and a clinging to traditional beliefs or customs, potentially leading to prejudice or intolerance.

It implies a limited scope of knowledge and experience, resulting in a restricted worldview. The term can also be used to describe something that is specific to a particular parish or local area, particularly in the context of a church or religion.

Parochial meaning with examples

• The small town's Parochial attitudes towards outsiders made it difficult for new residents to integrate and feel accepted, as long-standing families clung to their traditional ways.
• His Parochial upbringing in a religious commune shielded him from diverse viewpoints, leaving him ill-equipped to navigate complex social issues in the wider world, which he struggled to comprehend.
• The newspaper's Parochial focus on local gossip and trivial events neglected important national and international news, further reinforcing its readers' limited worldview and their distance from key events.
• Despite living in an increasingly interconnected world, their Parochial mindset prevented them from embracing new technologies or adapting to changing social norms. This limited their ability to adapt and thrive.